HF3007

Purpose of the Bill

This bill aims to enhance the evaluation and permitting process for projects requiring large water appropriations in Minnesota. It seeks to ensure these projects are compatible with current and future water needs, improve water supply decision-making in areas with limited availability, and streamline permitting processes.

Main Provisions

• Preapplication Evaluation: Introduces a requirement for early evaluation of projects with significant water use, specifically those exceeding 100 million gallons annually or 250,000 gallons daily. Potential applicants are advised to engage with the commissioner early in the planning stages before finalizing project site and design.

• Notification Requirement: City or county employees contacted about such projects must notify the commissioner within ten business days, even if the project location is not finalized.

• Information Submission: Potential applicants may be asked to provide information on various aspects of the project, including potential locations, water use rates, water source, and quality or temperature requirements.

• Communication and Data Use: Communications regarding these projects are classified as nonpublic until the project is either abandoned or a water use permit application is filed. After filing, the data becomes public.

• Consultation: The commissioner can consult other state agencies to determine a project's impact on water quality and quantity.

Significant Changes

• The bill mandates a more structured and transparent approach to the early stages of developing large water appropriation projects. It requires collaboration and communication between potential project applicants and government agencies, promoting accountability and foresight in water resource management. The approach includes ensuring all relevant environmental and regulatory checks are met without supplanting existing approvals and reviews.

Relevant Terms

water appropriation, water use permit, commissioner, preapplication evaluation, nonpublic data, water source, water availability constraints, environmental review